Freedom or tradition? How Gen Z girls in Keralam are responding to Kanthapuram’s controversial remarks on women
While progressive youth condemn the cleric’s statement as regressive and patriarchal, traditionalists argue they were misconstrued or intended to protect community values
Keralam Chief Minister V D Satheesan has criticised remarks made by a prominent Muslim cleric, A P Aboobacker Musliyar, also known as "Kanthapuram", regarding the presence of Muslim women in public. According to The Indian Express, Musliyar stated that women should not mingle with men in public and that Islamic celebrations should uphold "religious values and discipline".
The Chief Minister, as per Hindustan Times, termed the cleric's stand as "not fit for a progressive society". The remarks have sparked a backlash, with progressive youth condemning them as regressive and patriarchal, while traditionalists argue that they were misconstrued or intended to protect community values, as reported by The Hindu.
The cleric's comments have also caused tension within the Chief Minister's party, with the IUML, a coalition partner, seemingly supporting Musliyar's remarks. Various Muslim leaders and scholars have also defended the cleric, while women within the community have expressed opposition to his views.
Brief written by urgent.news from The Hindu, Hindustan Times, The Indian Express — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
